Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer

Position Overview

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer — Defense Robotics in Austin, TX. We’re partnering with a fast-growing defense robotics startup building autonomous turret systems designed to detect and defeat small drones and loitering munitions. This hands-on role involves working on real, field-deployed hardware in a highly technical, engineering-driven environment, perfect for a senior mechanical engineer who enjoys owning complex electromechanical designs from concept through qualification in a fast-moving startup setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design ruggedized mechanical systems for autonomous defense platforms
• Own CAD and mechanical design using SolidWorks for complex electromechanical assemblies
• Perform FEA, modal, vibration, and thermal simulations to validate designs
• Design for harsh operating environments, including shock, vibration, and thermal extremes (MIL-STD-810)
• Collaborate with electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineers to ensure clean electromechanical integration
• Support prototype builds, testing, and transition to production
• Contribute to design reviews focusing on reliability, manufacturability, and long-term durability

Required Qualifications

• 8-15 years of experience in mechanical design and electromechanical integration
• Strong hands-on experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools
• Deep understanding of structural, vibration, and thermal analysis
• Experience designing hardware for demanding or mission-critical environments
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR)
• Comfort working in a startup environment with high ownership and responsibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with MIL-STD-810 testing
• Experience with shock isolation, damping, or ruggedized assemblies
• Exposure to defense, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $200,000 – $330,000
• Equity included
• Opportunity to have direct impact on a mission-critical system from early stage through deployment